Exterior doors are an important part of any home – they make you secure and are insulated for warmth; they add to curb value as well. In Canada where there is an assortment of climates from brutally cold winters to muggy summers, your door takes a lot. The purchase of high-quality exterior doors in Canada is but the first step. the right maintenance makes them functional and attractive for years. Regular maintenance avoids premature decay and contributes to keeping the energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetic appeal of the place on the level.
Inspect and Clean Regularly
Routine inspection is one of the simplest methods of catching a minor problem so that it doesn’t build up into a costly one. At least twice a year, examine your exterior doors to look for signs of wear like cracks on the frame, bad weather stripping, or chipped paint. Make sure to check both the interior and the exterior side.
Wash your door with a soft cloth and mild soap to wash off the dirt, salt, and grime, especially after winter, when the door can get splashed by de-icing chemicals. Avoid harsh cleaner that may remove finishes or corrode metal parts. For home owners in Canada, who have exterior doors, this simple habit of cleaning the doors help to maintain the finish of the doors, and prevents future damages to the doors from the elements.
It does not matter whether you are having a painted wood, fiberglass, or steel door; the finish is crucial in protecting against the moisture and UV damage. Repainting or restaining the wooden doors after every few years can protect them from swelling or cracking due to snow and rains.
Factory finishes are common in fiberglass and steel doors but like every other type of surface, they might require touch-ups over time. Apply UV-protection paint or stain in outdoor application. Extra care will be needed if your door exposes to direct sunlight to avoid fading and peeling. The finish is especially essential for outdoor doors in Canada as the change in temperature during the seasons can wear out protective coatings.
Lubricate Hinges and Locks
Exterior door hardware is exposed to wetness, dirt and temperature changes and overtime will rust and become stiff. To avoid this, you should lubricate hinges, deadbolts and lock mechanisms with silicone-based lubricant from time to time preferably once in every two to three months. Avoid oil-based lubricants for they can attract grime.
Don’t force the key inside the lock if the keys feel sticky or the key cannot turn smoothly because this may damage the inside of the lock. Instead, blow the locks with compressed air or hire the services of a locksmith. A regular check of your locks and hinges promises smooth functioning of your exterior doors in Canada and their safety.
Maintain Weather Stripping and Seals
An exterior door has a key function of preventing the elements from getting in. Through the passage of time, weather-stripping can become dry, crack or loosen, particularly in the colder Canadian climates. Examine the seals of your door on the turning of each season and replace the damaged or missing parts.
Weather stripping is effective in keeping drafts away, reducing the heating and cooling expenses, and block moisture from entering your home. For most Canadian homeowners who have exterior doors, replacing worn weather stripping is a basic do-it-yourself that is a huge reward in comfort and cash savings.
Watch for Moisture and Condensation
The failure of the seal or lack of drainage may be indicated by condensation between glass panes, or pooling of water near the bottom of the door. Moisture intrusion does not only impact on the energy efficiency but also causes mold, rot or damage to the structure. Make sure door thresholds are correctly sloped so that run- off of water can take place and report suspicion of leakages in cases of rain or snowstorm.
In Canada where snowmelt and freeze-thaw cycles are a common phenomenon, expedient attention to moisture issues will help avoid expensive damages and prolong the life of your door.
Exterior doors are a long term investment that will last for several decades if taken care of. From routine clean up and finish touch ups to upkeep of the hardware and seals, a little effort goes a long way. While maintaining the exterior doors in Canada is not an option in the harsh climate in Canada but a necessity. With the use of these simple tips, homeowners can get to benefit from both the functional and the aesthetic value of their doors for many years.